Copper and Calcium Uptake in Colored Hair
March 2010
in “
International Journal of Cosmetic Science
”
Studysummary This study used nanoscale secondary ion mass spectrometry to locate where calcium and copper are concentrated in colored hair, finding these metals particularly in the cuticle's sulfur-rich regions.
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During hair coloring, disulfide bonds in cystine were oxidized to create cysteic acid, forming binding sites for metal ions such as Ca2+ and Cu2+ from tap water. This increased metal uptake negatively impacted fiber properties, reducing shine and causing poor wet and dry feel. Additionally, copper uptake contributed to further fiber damage during subsequent coloring due to metal-induced radical chemistry. Using nanoscale secondary ion mass spectrometry (NanoSIMS), researchers located calcium and copper within colored hair, finding high concentrations of calcium in the cuticle region, particularly in sulfur-rich areas. Untreated hair served as a baseline for comparison.
